Champions League Updates: Key Performances and Upcoming Matches

Throughout the initial stages of this Champions League campaign, Tillman has been a reliable asset for Bayer Leverkusen. While he has yet to contribute goals in this competition, his overall performance has been sufficient, contributing to Leverkusen’s positive results with him on the field.

In their opening six matches, Leverkusen remains unbeaten in the five games featuring Tillman, recording two wins and three draws. Notably, they secured a 2-0 victory against Manchester City, and their latest match resulted in a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Newcastle, courtesy of a late equalizer. The only match not featuring Tillman was a disheartening 7-2 loss to PSG, the sole blemish on their otherwise unbeaten start.

Despite these results, Leverkusen currently sits only three points above the qualifying line for the next stage, indicating that further effort is needed to convert those draws into victories.

**Next match:** Olympiacos on Tuesday

Balogun has consistently impressed in the Champions League this season. Heading into the upcoming match, he boasts a three-game scoring streak, a critical development for a Monaco team striving to remain in the competition.

After failing to score in Monaco’s first three matches, which included two draws and a loss, Balogun found his form in the last three games, netting goals in two wins and a draw. While it is worth noting that his goals came against perceived weaker opponents—Galatasaray, Pafos, and Bodo/Glimt—the confidence he has displayed during these European matches has been undeniable. This resurgence has coincided with an otherwise mixed performance in Ligue 1. Monaco currently occupies a qualifying spot but remains precariously close to the danger zone, just three points above 25th place, which would signify an early exit from the tournament.

**Next match:** Real Madrid on Tuesday

Injury challenges have limited Cardoso’s adaptation to Atletico Madrid. However, he appears to be settling into his role following a return to the lineup in mid-December.

To date, Cardoso has participated in just one Champions League match, playing 59 minutes in a notable victory over Inter in November. Atletico is faring well, having won four of their first six games. The competition for a coveted top-eight spot is fierce, and Cardoso hopes to contribute to the team’s efforts.

**Next match:** Galatasaray on Wednesday

Yunus Musah has faced difficulties establishing himself at Atalanta in Serie A, yet he has been more consistently involved in their Champions League campaign, appearing in five of six matches thus far.

One of his appearances included a disappointing start in a 4-0 loss to PSG; however, Atalanta has rebounded impressively, securing four wins in five subsequent matches, with Musah coming off the bench in each of the victories. Similar to Cardoso’s situation at Atletico, Atalanta is focused on securing a spot in the top eight and advancing to the Round of 16, having already guaranteed progression to the knockout stages.

**Next match:** Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday

McKennie’s performance for Juventus this season has been outstanding, including in the Champions League.

The USMNT midfielder has delivered back-to-back goals in Europe, aiding Juventus in clinching victories in their last two Champions League matches. These wins were crucial after a challenging start to the competition, where Juventus recorded three draws and a loss. As they navigate these final matches, securing points will be essential for their standing.

**Next match:** Benfica on Wednesday

Weah, playing for Marseille, has them positioned just above Juventus in the standings, though like McKennie, he and his team face challenges ahead.

He began the Champions League season with a goal despite a defeat against Real Madrid, and his assist in November’s win against Newcastle provided a significant boost. Marseille’s campaign has been tumultuous with three wins and three losses, placing them around midtable as they approach the concluding phase of this stage. Their next challenge will be formidable, facing a struggling yet elite Liverpool before concluding against Club Brugge.

**Next match:** Liverpool on Wednesday

Unfortunately, Pepi is sidelined due to injury, which is a considerable setback for PSV given his contributions of three goals and an assist in the last four games. The silver lining is that Sergino Dest remains active as the team navigates the final two matches of the group stage.

However, PSV faces a daunting task ahead, matching up against Newcastle and Bayern Munich in succession. Despite earlier victories over Liverpool and Napoli, PSV’s chances have been jeopardized by dropped points against Olympiacos and Union Saint-Gilloise, making their upcoming encounters vital without their star striker.

**Next match:** Newcastle on Wednesday

Celtic has struggled significantly in recent months, particularly amid the Wilfried Nancy situation, which has created tension among supporters. Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity to salvage their season, especially in the Europa League.

Currently, Celtic is just above the elimination line, clinging to the last knockout spot. Carter-Vickers has been unavailable due to a long-term injury, but Trusty has played a pivotal role, striving for a spot on the USMNT. The focus now shifts to maximizing points in the final two matches to keep their European aspirations alive amidst the season’s turmoil.

**Next match:** Utrecht on Thursday

The Europa League has proven to be a remarkable success for Tessmann and Lyon, who have won five of six matches and secured a place in the knockout rounds. However, securing a spot in the Round of 16 remains the primary objective as they approach the final matches.

Amidst speculation regarding Tessmann’s future, the midfielder’s performance has fluctuated as he has alternated between starting and bench roles. Nevertheless, his exemplary display in the Europa League will be crucial as Lyon aims for a deep advancement in the tournament.

**Next match:** Young Boys on Thursday

The former Sporting KC center-back has not been in contention for the USMNT since 2022, but he has been a consistent presence for Panathinaikos in the Europa League this season.

The defender has started and played the full 90 minutes in each of the club’s last three European matches, contributing to a tally of seven points from that period. Despite facing back-to-back losses in Matchweeks 2 and 3 that almost derailed their advancement hopes, Palmer-Brown and his team are now well-positioned to push for a spot in the next round.

**Next match:** Ferencvaros on Thursday.